Most recent public comments by Maya Mandava https://nowcomment.com/users/106096 https://nowcomment.com/documents/271605?scroll_to=2449043 https://nowcomment.com/documents/271605?scroll_to=2449043 Tue, 27 Apr 2021 14:17:41 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/271605?scroll_to=2447969 https://nowcomment.com/documents/271605?scroll_to=2447969 In this study, researchers examined racially-biased callback responses in the mental health field by leaving voicemails soliciting services with practicing counselors and psychologists, using names to manipulate perceived race. Findings demonstrate that the caller with the stereotypically white-sounding name (Allison) received call-backs from the mental health specialists that promoted the potential for services at a 12% higher rate than the caller with the stereotypically black-sounding name (Lakisha). This means that Allison had a 12% greater chance of having a therapist open the door to potential health services by returning her initial phone call and offering the opportunity for further treatment. These results provide evidence to suggest the existence of systematic racial discrimination at the entry point of mental health treatment, from trained professional counselors and psychologists. Citation: Shin, R. Q., Smith, L. C., Welch, J. C., & Ezeofor, I. (2016). Is Allison More Likely Than Lakisha to Receive a Callback From Counseling Professionals? A Racism Audit Study. The Counseling Psychologist, 44(8), 1187–1211. https://doi.org/10.1177/0011000016668814 Mon, 26 Apr 2021 22:10:57 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/271605?scroll_to=2447961 https://nowcomment.com/documents/271605?scroll_to=2447961 NAMI is the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. If you want to hear more about what they have to say about mental health disparities, check out this link! https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/July-2017/Disparities-Within-Minority-Mental-Health-Care I would also love to hear your take on these steps, and any other input you may have on how we can help with racial disparities in the mental health department! Mon, 26 Apr 2021 22:01:40 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/271605?scroll_to=2447960 https://nowcomment.com/documents/271605?scroll_to=2447960 This is an important fact to take note of when considering mental health disparities in treatment options on the basis of race. Black individuals, along with all minority individuals who are discriminated against in the United States, are at greater risk for health issues and thus should be able to receive necessary treatment to prevent adverse outcomes. Alas, persisting racism along with many other factors act as barriers for minorities when it comes to receiving adequate treatment and support. A research paper conducted by Berry et. al (2021) looked specifically into studies and sources focusing on the impact of racism on mental health for children in early childhood from 2016 to 2021. Longitudinal studies provide evidence that very young children are highly influenced by exposure to multiple and interconnecting levels of racism and discrimination. Findings show that recent literature indicates that racism is a social determinant of health that adversely impacts infant and early childhood socioemotional, and behavioral development A meta-analysis conducted by Paradies et. al (2015) reviewed the literature focusing on the relationship between reported racism and mental and physical health outcomes. Studies show that racism was associated with poorer mental health including depression, anxiety, psychological stress AND racism was associated with poorer general health and physical health.  Citations: Berry, O., Londoño Tobón, A., & Njoroge, W. (2021). Social Determinants of Health: the Impact of Racism on Early Childhood Mental Health. Current Psychiatry Reports, 23(5), 23–23. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-021-01240-0  Paradies, Y., Ben, J., Denson, N., Elias, A., Priest, N., Pieterse, A., Gupta, A., Kelaher, M., & Gee, G. (2015). Racism as a Determinant of Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. PloS One, 10(9), e0138511–e0138511. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0138511 Mon, 26 Apr 2021 22:00:38 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/271605?scroll_to=2447959 https://nowcomment.com/documents/271605?scroll_to=2447959 I think this is an important fact to take note of when considering mental health disparities in treatment options on the basis of race. Black individuals, along with all minority individuals who are discriminated against in the United States, are at greater risk for health issues and thus should be able to receive necessary treatment to prevent adverse outcomes. Alas, persisting racism along with many other factors act as barriers for minorities when it comes to receiving adequate treatment and support. A research paper conducted by Berry et. al (2021) looked specifically into studies and sources focusing on the impact of racism on mental health for children in early childhood from 2016 to 2021. Longitudinal studies provide evidence that very young children are highly influenced by exposure to multiple and interconnecting levels of racism and discrimination. Findings show that recent literature indicates that racism is a social determinant of health that adversely impacts infant and early childhood socioemotional, and behavioral development A meta-analysis conducted by Paradies et. al (2015) reviewed the literature focusing on the relationship between reported racism and mental and physical health outcomes. Studies show that racism was associated with poorer mental health including depression, anxiety, psychological stress AND racism was associated with poorer general health and physical health.  Citations: Berry, O., Londoño Tobón, A., & Njoroge, W. (2021). Social Determinants of Health: the Impact of Racism on Early Childhood Mental Health. Current Psychiatry Reports, 23(5), 23–23. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-021-01240-0  Paradies, Y., Ben, J., Denson, N., Elias, A., Priest, N., Pieterse, A., Gupta, A., Kelaher, M., & Gee, G. (2015). Racism as a Determinant of Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. PloS One, 10(9), e0138511–e0138511. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0138511 Mon, 26 Apr 2021 21:59:27 -0400